Sensory branch of cervical plexus

The sensory branches of the cervical plexus are cutaneous nerves arising from the anterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves C2–C4, with occasional contribution from C5. Major branches include the lesser occipital nerve (C2), great auricular nerve (C2–C3), transverse cervical nerve (C2–C3), and supraclavicular nerves (C3–C4). These nerves emerge from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid and supply sensation to the skin of the neck, scalp behind the ear, outer ear, anterior neck, and area above and below the clavicle. They are responsible for transmitting cutaneous sensory signals to the central nervous system and have important clinical relevance in regional anesthesia, trauma, and surgical procedures involving the neck. Key anatomical sensory branches: - Lesser occipital nerve: skin of scalp posterosuperior to auricle (C2) - Great auricular nerve: skin near auricle and cheek (C2–C3) - Transverse cervical nerve: anterior neck (C2–C3) - Supraclavicular nerves: skin over shoulder and clavicle (C3–C4) These fibers are not receptors, proteins, or distinct molecular targets but are peripheral nerve fibers making up a vital component of the cervical plexus.

Other names

Cutaneous branches of cervical plexusSuperficial sensory branches of cervical plexus

Nerve block (anesthetics inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing action potential transmission in sensory nerve fibers)